MP Josh Dean makes formal objection to plans for McDonald’s drive-thru near The Bishop’s Stortford High School
Bishop’s Stortford’s MP has urged East Herts Council to put the brakes on McDonald’s plans for a drive-thru in the town.
The fast-food giant wants to open a restaurant and takeaway in the neighbourhood centre at St James’ Park.
In 2019, Countryside Homes won planning permission from East Herts Council (EHC) for the 750-home estate, including a secondary school, a primary school, a care home, employment land and open space.
The neighbourhood, or local, centre has outline planning permission for up to 1,000 sq m (10,764 sq ft) of shops and up to 2,200 sq m (23,680 sq ft) for restaurants, cafés, a hot food takeaway, gym, nursery, local services and community uses.
However, detailed consent for layout, design and access remains outstanding.
The Bishop’s Stortford High School (TBSHS) moved to the estate last year from London Road, and when McDonald’s revealed its plans to open close to the secondary, governors led a storm of protest.
Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean said: “I’ve been contacted by several concerned residents regarding the proposed drive-thru at St James’ Park, which I understand McDonald’s intends to occupy.
“Last year, I met with the headteacher of The Bishop’s Stortford High School to discuss this proposal. I share his concerns about the unit’s proximity to the school’s new site and its potential impact on students’ health and wellbeing.
“I am also concerned about the effects a drive-through would have on traffic, road safety, air quality and pollution caused by littering. I do not believe this is an appropriate use of land.”
He added: “I fully recognise that East Herts Council is the statutory planning authority for our area and would not usually involve myself in these discussions. However, given the concerns raised by the school and local residents, which I share, I have today written to EHC to formally object to the application.”
He told the council: “A well-designed local centre within a housing development should provide important social infrastructure, amenities and services that add to the quality of life for local residents, and there is no question that the design of the centre for St James’ Park will achieve that objective. It will create new amenities for the local community as well as… employment opportunities for my constituents.
“What I do have concerns about is the proposed drive-thru food outlet establishment. Since the original planning application was approved, it has become apparent that the intention is for this to be a separate building located within the car park.
“In my view, a drive-through does not fit with the concept of a local centre and will create a different environment to the amenities that will be located within the main buildings.
“Drive-thru takeaways are designed for convenience and are typically located on major roads and at service areas, generally for passing traffic.
“They are not a typical element in a local centre serving the needs of the community, who would generally be able to access convenient facilities by walking or cycling.
“In this instance, a drive-thru would not be serving the local neighbourhood of St James’ Park but would attract passing traffic from main roads nearby, such as London Road.”
Mr Dean told the council the McDonald’s drive-thru should be a separate planning application to prevent further delay to approval of the centre’s other elements.
The Central Co-operative brand is set to open a store at the centre and PureGym has been named as the gym operator.
